Er Rachidia to the dunes of Erg Chebbi

The variety and scale of the landscapes is the attraction of east-central Morocco. South of the Gorges of the Ziz and relaxed Er Rachidia, are the palm-filled canyons of the Tafilalet on the Ziz river, one of the biggest oases in the world, and famous (as well as historically important) for its dates. Further south there is a crumbling ksar (fortified kasbah) at Rissani and the high dunes of Merzouga, site of many a Saharan fantasy - both cinematic and personal - as travellers flock to ride camels out into a photogenic ideal of the desert.

This is edited copy from Footprint Handbooks. For comprehensive details (incl address, tel no, directions, opening times and prices) please refer to book or individual chapter PDF